The University of Law student wins The Times’ law student competition

12 September 2014

University of Law student James Johnston, has been announced as this year’s winner of The Times Law Student Advocacy Competition.

Judged by a strong panel including Lady Justice Rafferty and Frances Gibb from The Times - Mr Johnston, 36, scooped the top prize.

He presented his argument last week on the topic of,‘do notions of political correctness stifle diversity?’

Ian Gatt, QC, who organised the competition on behalf of Herbert Smith Freehills and provided coaching to the finalists, said the standard of argument was higher than ever.

Mr Johnston’s analysis of the evolution of political correctness in Britain took account of some its early absurdities – such as the banning by local authorities of words such as Christmas, blackboards and manholes – but decided that in its current state it is a “valuable servant of society.”

Mr Johnston is making a late career switch to the Bar from being a business entrepreneur.